Opposition parties vow to oust BJP from power

The much talked-about mahagathbandhan, or Grand Alliance, began to take shape at the Brigade Parade Ground here on Saturday, with leaders from over 20 political parties vowing at a mega rally organised by the Trinamool Congress to oust Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power. "The BJP government has crossed its expiry date," said TMC chief Mamata Banerjee.

Former union minister and disgruntled BJP leader Arun Shourie said the opposition must unite for one goal — to "outcast the BJP".

The question everybody wanted to know the answer to was who would be the prime ministerial candidate of the Front. Several leaders had said that it would was a secondary thing and would be decided after the elections.

Shourie said a sense of sacrifice was required on the part of parties. "If they come together with the aspiration of becoming PM, it will not happen," Shourie said.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah said, "Who becomes PM will be seen later. First it requires to put up a fight together." Former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav said people would decide the next PM.